Cast-iron bathtub, timeless elegance

Our bathrooms are taking a trip back in time by adopting a retro style.
Chic and glamorous, no one can resist this timeless trend that has stood the test of time!
The central element is the cast-iron bathtub. The centerpiece of any bathroom that claims to be vintage, the cast-iron bathtub now comes in a wide range of shapes and colors.

Here’s a closer look at this timeless grand dame.

The cast-iron bathtub in the bathroom: timeless elegance - Chez Hydropolis

A bit of history

The cast-iron bathtub, which first appeared in bourgeois families in the 18th century, became widespread in the early 20th century. Slowly dethroned by porcelain and ceramic, and more recently by acrylic, it is now making a strong comeback in retro, industrial-style bathrooms or as a counterbalance to contemporary ambiences.

Why choose a cast-iron bathtub for your bathroom?

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the cast-iron bathtub has many other features.
A cast-iron bathtub is covered with a layer of enamel, making it extremely resistant, perfectly watertight and therefore easy to clean. Enamelled cast-iron is hygienic and not susceptible to scale or bacterial deposits. A way to limit the use of cleaning products in the home.

Made from 85% recycled materials (railway rails, scrap car bodies, etc.), it is dimensionally stable and 100% recyclable at the end of its life. This also explains its longevity, with cast-iron bathtubs lasting between 30 and 50 years.

Enameled cast iron is also a natural sound insulator. As a result, the sound of running water in the bathtub is softened or even muffled. Cast-iron bathtubs maintain water temperature very well, which also saves energy. No need to add hot water to your bath!

Siena cast-iron bathtub on pedestal_Recor_Chez Hydropolis

Cast iron bathtub at Devon & Devon

Cast iron bathtub, for a retro atmosphere in the bathroom - Drummonds

Siena cast-iron bathtub on pedestal_Finish in white mosaic_Recor_Chez Hydropolis

Cast iron bathtub, retro vibe in the bathroom - Devon&Devo

Drummonds cast iron bathtub - Chez Hydropolis

Freestanding bathtub_Crosby collection at Recor

Retro bathroom inspiration with this black and copper cast-iron bathtub

Primrose_Baignoire en fonte sur pieds Princesse2_Recor_Chez Hydropolis

Primrose_Cast iron bathtub on legs Princesse2_Recor_Chez Hydropolis

On the technical side?

Like all bathtubs, cast-iron bathtubs need to be fitted with a bath-shower fitting and a drain or siphon to be connected to the wastewater plumbing system.

Cast-iron bathtubs come in a variety of sizes.
Devon & Devon‘s Admiral Copper is 1.82 m long, 81 cm wide and 73 cm high.
The smaller Regina model is 1.63 m long, 81 cm wide and 79 cm high. Weights range from 100 to 130 kg, with some models reaching 150 kg. To install a cast-iron bathtub in your bathroom, you’ll need a highly resistant floor.

The icing on the cake is that it’s possible to repair chips in a cast-iron bathtub and maintain a perfect enamel finish! With the right products, cast-iron bathtubs, like enameled steel bathtubs, can be restored and re-glazed with a special spray-applied lacquer.

Which style to choose?

Manufacturers are vying with each other to offer models that adapt to new furnishing and decorating requirements.

Free-standing or pedestal-mounted, with lion’s paw, rooster’s paw or eagle’s paw, free-standing or built-in, cast-iron bathtubs will give your bathroom an inimitable retro spirit. They can be round, clog-shaped or set in a corner.

Most often available in black or white, cast-iron bathtubs come in a variety of colors: gray, gold, copper, or available in many different shades on request and depending on the supplier, such as the Admiral coral bathtub by Devon & Devon, the Shot red bathtub by Drummonds or the Carlton wine bed by Recor.

What’s the budget?

Buying a cast-iron bath represents a long-term investment. Its price is higher than that of a conventional bathtub. It varies between €800 and €6000.